Posted 4 Days Ago

Man tapped to head State Law Office has rich stint at Judiciary

Justice Paul Kihara Kariuki (right) with former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga. The man President Uhuru Kenyatta has tapped to head the State Law Office and Department of Justice was appointed a Judge of the High Court in October 2003 by President Mwai Kibaki.

By SAM KIPLAGAT

In Summary

He would also act as the master of ceremonies when the Judiciary holds big occasions, because of his oratory skills.

Other than his stint at Milimani Commercial Courts, Justice Kariuki also served as a Judge in Machakos.

Justice Kihara is a former partner in one of the country’s pioneer law firms, Hamilton Harrison & Mathews.

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Justice Paul Kihara Kariuki, the man President Uhuru Kenyatta has tapped to head the State Law Office and Department of Justice, was appointed a Judge of the High Court in October 2003 by President Mwai Kibaki.

The judge, known for carrying his ink and fountain pen to the courtroom, occasionally cracks jokes during court sessions.

This is especially when lawyers tire litigants with their legalese.

He would also act as the master of ceremonies when the Judiciary holds big occasions, because of his oratory skills.

STAREHE PETITION

Among the cases he heard and concluded during his tenure as a Judge of the High Court is an election petition filed by Maina Kamanda against Bishop Margaret Wanjiru for the Starehe seat.

He nullified the election and ordered a by-election.

Other than his stint at Milimani Commercial Courts, Justice Kariuki also served as a Judge in Machakos.

During his stint at the High Court, he was made the Director of the Judicial Training Institute by Chief Justice Willy Mutunga.

He was succeeded in the position by High Court Judge Prof Joel Ngugi.

COURT OF APPEAL

In 2012, he was elevated to the Court of Appeal and in February 22, 2013, Justice Kariuki was elected the President of the Court, beating his sole opponent, Justice David Maraga, after two rounds of voting.